Trash and treasure

Who would have thought that a battered old filing cabinet I picked up on Trade Me (the Kiwi's answer to eBay) for $20 would transform my world. I feel so much lighter now that everything is filed away in an orderly manner.

There's something about a bad boy

Don Draper reblogged from the suited-gentleman

Day 2: Fun on your bum

As it was still the weekend and quite busy on the slopes we decided to keep our distance from the crowds. All wee needed were a few bits of cardboard and some snow.

Day 1: We hit the slopes

We recently spent a few days at Turoa on Mt Ruapehu [rua (two) and pehu (to explode or make a loud noise)]. Funnily enough there was a 5.7 magnitude earthquake at nearby Turangi whilst we on the mountain – we didn't feel a thing. 

I think the pics say it all.

What I did today...

More baking so we have some delish snacks to take on holidays with us.

I know, it's too much to take with us. After all, we're only going for five days but I'll store some away so it's there when we return.

Naturally, they're all gluten-free.

Photos:
1. Banana cake with pecan crust top (no need for icing).
2. and 3. Chai spice coconut flour cakes. I cut in half and sandwiched with cream cheese icing (I made half quantity) as I find it's tidier for transporting. Low-carb (without the icing), gluten-free and seriously to-die-for!
4. Brownie slab.
5. Melting moments.

Trash and treasure

I stumbled across these old Reader's Digest books in a "Help Yourself" box at a second-hand shop recently. Who could pass up such gorgeous covers! I think they would make lovely secret book safes. But for now they will just sit and be admired.

The kids asked if I was actually going to read them but I think that's unlikely.

What I did today...

I took to the kitchen to create!

New York baked cheesecake. I have been lusting after this for some time. I finally got the recipe from Mum. The recipe originated from Aunty Deb and I remember making a few of these in my younger days. I changed the recipe slightly (mainly the base) to make it low-carb with somewhat success (I think my taste buds have adapted). It's definitely not low-fat though so still retains all of it's flavour and appeal.

Banana and raspberry muffins for school lunches this week. It makes me feel good on the inside knowing there is something home baked in the kids' lunch boxes (although sometimes it's just not achievable!).

Note: When I say "What I did today" I don't necessarily mean today; more like recently.